Any Kayak guys here?

[HHI944]

Not the stupid travel site, the boat.

I've been wanting one for a while and haunting craigslist hoping for a find. I finally found this one and jumped on it

It's a poke/phoenix Vagabond

I snagged the fiberglass/nylon version used, but in solid condition, off craigslist for a fraction of new MSRP, including two paddles and two float bags.

Now if the weather would just clear up....

[stealthn]

Yes we are here....I find it one of the most peaceful things to do in this rat race

[jyl]

I've done a fair bit of sea kayaking. No experience with river boats.

Where, what sort of water, will you be going on? What is your paddling experience?

[billybek]

i have an older Seaward 17'.
I am a cautious paddler especially when paddling alone. (lakes/reservoirs)
Open water scares me enough not to go out alone.

I have a book recommendation. Sea Kayaker's "Deep Trouble" and I believe they have a safety and rescue book as well.

Have fun with it. The whole world looks different from the water!

[willtel]

I have had a few whitewater boats but I never paddled anything meant for touring. I think I might sell it and get something I can use for trout fishing.


2006 GTI by willtel, on Flickr

[carr914]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Yes we are here....I find it one of the most peaceful things to do in this rat race

I Agree

[BRPORSCHE]

Yep. Try to go out atleast once a weekend. The lake can sometimes be too rough, so I go into the channels. It's a great time to think.

[HHI944]

I have a decent amount of paddling experience, but none in the last few years. I live right on the northern 'horn' of the island, so one direction is ocean and the other is sound and river/marsh systems. I would probably be in the river/marsh and sound areas the most.

[JFK713]

I'm still waiting for the water to warm up in San Diego. The upper 50's is too cold, I need to invest in some dry pants. I have lot's of fun chasing halibut and bass in our bays.

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Yes we are here....I find it one of the most peaceful things to do in this rat race

+1 nothing beats watching the sun rise or set from five miles off shore.

My 17.5 CLC kit.

[Seahawk]

White-water (and surf) kayaked for almost 40 years...still hit the good spots on the Potomac three or four times a year.

I have two touring kayaks for paddles on the calm stretches of the Potomac off the farm. Great trips with the kids.

Assuming you are new to the sport, ease into it, perhaps join with a local group that will know the good spots. Don't hurry...you'll be surprised how much there is to learn about this seemingly innocuous sport.

Best.

Edit: Missed your last post re: experience. Nevermind

[HHI944]

I planned on hunting down the local club.

Kevin, I looked at a half finished CLC 17' with the sailing kit, but I just don't have the time for another project right now. Maybe one day, a wood kayak definitely has a lot of appeal to me.

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by HHI944

I planned on hunting down the local club.

Kevin, I looked at a half finished CLC 17' with the sailing kit, but I just don't have the time for another project right now. Maybe one day, a wood kayak definitely has a lot of appeal to me.

Paddling a kayak is allways better than building a kayak.

Great paddling resource for you. Just in case you don't already have this one book marked.

[porsche4life]

If I lived in a better area I would have to have one... But its all muddy farm ponds and lakes here.... And you're always fighting the damned wind....

[oldschoollear]

Jackson Coosa

[cantdrv55]

here I am

[Bill Douglas]

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by HHI944

I have a decent amount of paddling experience, but none in the last few years. I live right on the northern 'horn' of the island, so one direction is ocean and the other is sound and river/marsh systems. I would probably be in the river/marsh and sound areas the most.

Hopefully, you already know a lot of the following, but just in case...
_____________________
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR KAYAK ENCOUNTERS ALLIGATORS: Special thanks to South Carolina's Cape Fear Paddlers for some valuable insights Photo of Okefenokee alligator - special thanks to Henry Dorfman of Cincypaddlers.org

A South Carolina Kayak Club, The Cape Fear Paddlers, suggest that when you happen on a gator, it will almost certainly run right into the water. Although it appears to be charging, it is just trying to get into the water where it feels safest. See above predator descriptions. Pay attention to the following in planning a paddle adventure in alligator territory:

1. Contact your local Fish & Game Dept for trends in predator activities such as mating and nesting season for alligators, seasonal behavior patterns and times of day of increased predator activity or recent attacks. This is usually dusk & dawn, as darkness gives any predator an advantage; but don't just rely on that.

2. It is always smart to keep your wits about you, so stay sober, and in the warm months do not cut around creek bends too closely, as these are the strategic spots where alligators like to lay hidden and keep an eye out for prey. Shallow waterways in the south are favorite places for alligators to nestle down. Avoid the chance you may unsettle them. Although alligators are shy, they don't like being surprised, and paddling in ditches about 5-10 feet wide when alligators can leap 5 feet from water's edge is asking for trouble, especially in the warmer months in the evening when they are on the prowl, and during nesting season which is roughly the entire summer. Check with locals about water levels in your intended paddling area.

3. If you want to explore shallow narrow areas where alligators frequent, do it when temperatures fall below 70 degrees, when alligators basically become inactive. Put as much as 100 feet distance between them and your kayak. Do not sit on overhanging branches, camp near the water (150 feet is recommended) and take care going to the shore for water while camping.

4. Although a gator that slips off a bank on your approach is somewhere underneath you, and may even follow you a little, stay calm and know that it will not "thump" you from underneath or lunge out of the water at you. Keep paddling, be wary, and if you are a little spooked a group of South Carolina kayakers familiar with alligators advise you bang your paddle on your kayak a few times to intimidate it. Some believe this may sound like wounded prey thrashing about in the mud peaking its interest. Because their hearing is sensitive I would remove all doubt and use my PFD whistle.

5. Signs an alligator is near: A wallow where they like to roll and cool down in the mud; a slide where they slip into the water; a nest. If you ever come across small alligators with, depending on the species, yellow stripes, you have found JUVENILES, which means the mother is somewhere nearby. Baby alligators stay with mom for up to a year. If you remember anything, don't ever stop to observe them or try to touch or catch one. The protectiveness of mother alligators can not be overstated. Certainly do not hunt, harass, or feed them.

More: TopKayaker.Net: A Guide For Kayakers Against Shark, Crocodile or Alligator Attacks

[HHI944]

Well, I got out on the water for a few hours today. The kayak performed excellently, even in rougher chop from large wakes. The only problem I had was a little drifting. It wasn't bad, but I think I'm going to look at some skegs to help.

[VincentVega]

I built a CLC boat a few years ago. I need more practice but what a great way to spend a few hours. I'm not too comfortable when the chop picks up bit's hard to be being so close to the water.